College of Nursing

Clinical Policies

 

Health Insurance

All students need health insurance coverage and are financially responsible for their health care associated with any injuries (needle sticks, exposures, falls, etc.) or illness which may occur on or off campus, including clinical agencies.

Immunizations

1. Evidence of the following must be submitted and be current for the duration of the semester for each clinical course:

  • Immunizations records, tetanus/diphtheria, polio, varicella, measles, mumps/rubella immunity
  • Hepatitis B or Hepatitis B declination
  • Current TB skin test (PPD) verification (every twelve (12) months)
  • This test is available from the University Health Center for a nominal fee or may be obtained through the students health care provider.
  • Verification of current CPR for the HealthCare Provider.
  • It is the students responsibility to obtain (re-) certification through The American Heart Association or a local hospital.
  • Physical examination completed by a physician/nurse practitioner
  • Verification of health insurance

2. A criminal background check and urine drug screen is required prior to the entry into the clinical courses. Additional requirements and/or disclosures may become necessary throughout the course of the program. Any non-compliance to these mandates may result in failure to progress or dismissal from the program. All fees associated with these mandates will be the responsibility of the student.

If a student has a positive drug screen or a criminal offense that is listed on the Missouri Hospital Association list, he/she will not be allowed to attend clinicals.

3. Failure to bring proof of all required records to the clinical coordinator (1st floor Administration Building) by the designated date will result in students being dropped from their assigned clinical course. The university charges a re-enrollment fee whenever a student is dropped from a course.

Injury to a student

If a student incurs any type of injury during his/her clinical experience he/she may seek treatment at the facility or provider of their choice. The student must give his or her insurance information to the provider. The College of Nursing is not responsible for any charges that are incurred for treatment.

Exposure to TB

If a student is exposed to a patient or patients with TB, the student must seek treatment from a health care provider and follow the protocol established by the City or County Health Department (baseline PPD and PPD 8-10 weeks after exposure). All costs incurred are to be covered by the students health insurance.

The College of Nursing is not responsible for any charges that are incurred for treatment. The student must submit proof of treatment to the clinical coordinator before being allowed to return to the classroom or clinicals.

Dress

Dress in the classroom is casual. In the clinical area, students are expected to comply with the dress code outlined in the student handbook or delineated by the clinical facility. Students may not wear jeans or any other denim clothing while preparing or caring for patients at any clinical site. Shorts, short skirts, halter-tops, sandals, clogs, and open-toed shoes are prohibited. Students must wear business casual dress, a lab coat and identification badge when going to the division to prepare for clinical. If students are improperly dressed, the nursing staff has the prerogative of telling students they must leave the division. For clinical experience students are expected to wear the facility ID badge, CON uniforms, white socks or hose, and clean white leather shoes with white shoelaces. Athletic and/or dirty shoes are not acceptable. Jewelry is limited to 1 pair of small earrings, and one ring on each hand. Nails are to be no more than inch long, with clear or pale polish, and no artificial nails or extenders. Students with tattoos are required to have those tattoos covered at all times during clinical experiences. Students with multiple piercings are required to remove the studs, rings, etc., while in the clinical setting. Faculty may send any improperly attired student off the division. The day will be counted as a clinical absence.

Hospital and agency duties

Students must follow the guidelines and duties established in the course syllabus and in the related healthcare agency policy manual. Students must adhere to the policies of the clinical facility, the courses, the College of Nursing and the University. Students ARE NOT allowed to administer IV Push medications, blood or blood products.

AIDS Statement

The College of Nursing supports the University policy regarding individuals diagnosed with HIV infections, AIDS or ARC (outlines in the University Bulletin).

Smoking Policy

The University has adopted a Smoke-Free Policy for all buildings. There is no smoking allowed in any University building (including classrooms, offices, eating areas, or library areas). See the University Bulletin.

Substance Abuse Policy

The University is a drug-free institution. See the Clinical Policies in this handbook and the University Bulletin for further information.

Retention Services

Clinical nursing coursework is a unique academic experience. The College of Nursing wants to provide all students with the tools and support necessary to maintain academic performance expectations and remain in the program. Within the College of Nursing, retention services are provided by the Retention Coordinator. Services include information and guidance for students who are at risk for course failure or who are not achieving their full potential. Students whthey are having difficulty with the academic challenges of the clinical nursing semesters are encouraged to seek the assistance of the Retention Coordinator as early in the semester as possible. Faculty refer students directly to the Retention Coordinator if they identify a student to be at risk for course failure. In addition to individual student appointments, multiple workshops throughout the semester provide students with information vital to successful academic performance. The Retention Coordinator works closely with the program directors, student services staff, and resources across the campus to provide academic support to all nursing students.